Sports Illustrated NFL Power Rankings

[n1997y]

Sensible. But Bowers you have to treat like a wr.. this is why not having all pro Gonzo affects us. Sure we have guys that can step up but we can't play " cat " coverage. Chipping is ok, but we need Landry to rush from his spot. I'm thinking marpu and Dugger bracket him.. not that Dugger is some great cover guy but just a physical presence on him. That leaves Hawkins and or Woodson to protect the deep half of the feild. Davis on Myers, Jones on the slot guy and Austin on the other guy outside.

Generally agree. But I’m thinking Hawkins, with Dugger or Woodson protecting the deep field. I think Hawkins would be a bit better than Dugger in coverage and I like Dugger more in the traditional FS role. OTOH it might be that Dugger would be more physical on Bowers, and I’m thinking the DL should have Geno under enough duress that it’s more important to shut down Bowers right away rather than keep him covered for very long.

 

[Real fan 02]

Generally agree. But I’m thinking Hawkins, with Dugger or Woodson protecting the deep field. I think Hawkins would be a bit better than Dugger in coverage and I like Dugger more in the traditional FS role. OTOH it might be that Dugger would be more physical on Bowers, and I’m thinking the DL should have Geno under enough duress that it’s more important to shut down Bowers right away rather than keep him covered for very long.

Yes! You said it. The DL having pressure on Smith is key. Dugger could be some who could help bracket Bowers but to your point having Hawkins and his speed to stay with Bowers would be ideal. The less time Smith has to throw the better.

 

[signbabybrady]

Yea I could see Geno playing smart and sticking with Bowers plus their running game could make this a tough game. Hopefully we can generate some pressure and get a fumble/pick or 2. Should be a fun one to open the season, I wonder if Brady will be in the building

I think he'll be busy doing a game

 

[Spiral]

Nice jump from sucking hind tit. Now they have to show it on the field.

That first sentence should be the Patriots theme for this year. Nicely done!

 

[PatsFan2]

Generally agree. But I’m thinking Hawkins, with Dugger or Woodson protecting the deep field. I think Hawkins would be a bit better than Dugger in coverage and I like Dugger more in the traditional FS role. OTOH it might be that Dugger would be more physical on Bowers, and I’m thinking the DL should have Geno under enough duress that it’s more important to shut down Bowers right away rather than keep him covered for very long.

Kyle Dugger is not a FS and Coverage isn't his thing. This ain't Madden 25 franchise mode dude.

 

[Kdo5]

as could every team in the NFL

Except our depth in key areas is particularly dire. LB/OL

 

[Wozzy]

Except our depth in key areas is particularly dire. LB/OL

The offensive line could be a little deeper, but it’s not dire. Bryant looks like a stud backup. They need one more interior lineman who can move around well to solidify depth.

LB? I didn’t even know that was a need, I don’t see it.

 

[Wozzy]

More lists… eyeroll. I remember before preseason we were voted “worst weapons in the NFL”.

By the end of preseason we had a roster crunch at WR and Henderson was the next coming of Barry Sanders. Lists are silly, the Pats just need to stay healthy.

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

Te sky MUST be falling or hell hath frozen over because….we arent ranked below 30! Even the “media” are seeing improvements. Go finger….

 

[ErniesPinkStripes]

I think he'll be busy doing a game

Ha true guess I forgot

 

[PancakeBlockPaul]

I can’t say I think Balt and buf are in the right places. Both should be at least 2 lower imo.

 

[SammyBlueCat]

Sammy you're the one still reading SI? I knew somebody was but I would never have guessed it was our quick kitty. Old habit dying hard?
Damn shame what's become of SI, it used to be 'must read' stuff now it's not fit to line your litter box

I rarely read SI

 

[Thelonious]

At the top of the bottom third, let's call it. Last year were at the bottom of the bottom third. That's progress, right?

I think 21 sounds about right, particularly given how poor the team's depth is, and how pervasive injuries are, and how important the o-line is..

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Our roster still kind of sucks. But honestly, reading each of the teams behind us, fair argument could be made that we’re deserving of being ranked higher. Sad reflection of the state of the NFL.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

More lists… eyeroll. I remember before preseason we were voted “worst weapons in the NFL”.

By the end of preseason we had a roster crunch at WR and Henderson was the next coming of Barry Sanders. Lists are silly, the Pats just need to stay healthy.

Having a roster crunch at WR doesn’t mean we don’t have a weak WR group. It just means we had some solid competition for who was going to be the 5th WR that is one of the game day inactives. Sure, a roster crunch. But it means little for how good the unit will actually be on the field.

 

[captain stone]

ESPN did their rankings the other day and had the Pats at #16.

2025 NFL projections, power rankings, Super Bowl predictions

Let's project the NFL's best -- and worst -- offenses and defenses. Plus, how do all 32 teams rank overall, and who will make the Super Bowl?

www.espn.com

16. New England Patriots


AFC sleeper alert! The Patriots are much better in nearly all areas compared with last season. After finishing with the fewest sacks in the NFL last season (28), the defense improved by signing DT Milton Williams, edge Harold Landry III, LB Robert Spillane and CB Carlton Davis III.


Second-year QB Drake Maye will have wide receiver Stefon Diggs and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson as options. And Mike Vrabel replaced Jerod Mayo as head coach.

That's a ****ing Joke, just like the 4-letter network itself.

 

[captain stone]

Agreed he's a phenomenal player. Mapu or Woodson on him?? No matter what he has to be accounted for. If gonzo was playing he'd likely have the match up.. I'm thinking Williams doubles him or brackets him??

Or maybe this is where Carlton Davis starts earning his money...?

 

[captain stone]

Every Team could go sideways with injuries...there's no Deep Team.

Besides the Fecals, you mean.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Or maybe this is where Carlton Davis starts earning his money...?

Sunday is going to be very interesting. This board is going flip out if he gets lit up by Meyers or Cooper.

 

[captain stone]

Yea I could see Geno playing smart and sticking with Bowers plus their running game could make this a tough game. Hopefully we can generate some pressure and get a fumble/pick or 2. Should be a fun one to open the season, I wonder if Brady will be in the building

Edit: Brady will be busy duh

If we can't prevent them from dictating down & distance - i.e.: making their running attack feeble & untrustworthy - then we're Screwed.